Roma's Curva Sud closed due to racist chanting

Roma fans ignored warnings about racist chanting and as a result the Curva Sud will close for a game

The south stand of Roma's Stadio Olimpico will be closed to supporters for one Serie A game after several fans ignored warnings against racially abusing AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The capital club were fined €50,000 last week after a section of fans directed racist abuse at several black Milan players - including Balotelli - in a goalless draw at San Siro.

The Lega Calcio's disciplinary commission also warned Roma to take measures against any repeat of the incident, and took further action yesterday after several Roma fans sang abusive refrains about the former Manchester City striker during last night's 2-1 victory over Napoli, despite both teams' appearance in anti-racism t-shirts before kick-off.

The chants began in Rome when news filtered through that Balotelli had scored a penalty six minutes from time in a 2-1 win at Siena.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "In the 39th minute of the second half, Roma supporters occupying the area of the stadium called the 'Curva Sud' directed chants of a racially discriminatory nature towards the player of another club.

"The decision is to sanction Roma with a €50,000 fine with the added obligation they play a game with the 'Curva Sud' closed to spectators."